Ground breaking news signaled the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, with the launch of a Mental Health Hub for Hanover, on December 28, last year.
At an official ceremony and launch at which the project was outlined to quite a number of civic leaders, residents and well wishers, founder Janet Symister announced that the Chance 2 Mental Wellness and Recovery Hub Jamaica was the start of history in the making for modern mental health care in the western region.
In a substantive endorsement of the project, Chief Trevor Beckford, CEO of Kareism Foundationn, following the ground breaking ceremony held at the project site, at Spanish Hill, pitched in head and shoulders with a donation of US5 Million, to kick start this venture. His announcement was greeted with excitement and warm applause, at the Smoked Marlin restaurant in Hopewell.
Mr. Lionel Reid, a director of Jamaica Tourist Board was also in attendance. He, along with Bishop Franklyn Beckford, Rev. Robergeau Freedman (President Hanover Ministers' Fraternal), Mr. Courtney Hudson (Vice-Chairman Hanover Parish Development Committee), Chief Trevor Beckford and Founder of Chance 2 Mental Wellness, broke ground earlier in the morning function as Rev. Tanesha Ashboure consecrated the ground and Mr. Mashario Bisasor from SDC moderating.
Chief Beckford added that he was impressed with the interest already being shown, and from the look of things there is no turning back for the Hub. This had already been proven from studies that it was fully feasible. He added that The Kareism Foundation was staking its reputation on the line for the success of this project, based on its previous experiences at home and abroad; on the leadership which was now at its disposal for the Chance 2 Mental Wellness and Recovery Hub Jamaica.
Ms. Symister stated that the full cost of the project was set at US$12 Million and there was still room for other sponsors and benefactors to come on board early. She disclosed that already in place was a reputable committee of persons, who were convinced of the vision and the impact that Chance 2 Mental Wellness and Recovery Hub Jamaica was destined to have on mental wellness. She unveiled a concept display of the building which will administer the service, and she as well showed off a replica of the Chance 2 Mental Wellness and Recovery Hub Jamaica logo, which symbolizes an outstretched palm with a ball.
Endorsement of the aims and objectives of the facility was also given by noted community leader Courtney Hudson. A testimonial delivered by Kadian Bangura, a US citizen and team member noted that mental wellness was at the heart of the development of Jamaica, "In other words, Jamaica's future depends on its mental health." Mrs. Bangura praised Ms. Symister for her attitude to detailed planning and implementation.
A rousing rendition of the Chance 2 Theme Song was delivered by five young people among whom was composer of the lyrics Deandra Brown. Deserae Brown, Kehlesia Thompson (university students) Shanelle Wilson, David Brown Seminary Student and Pastor Luke Smith were a part of the singing team. Pastor Hector Falconer moderated the afternoon Function at the Smoked Marlin Restaurant as the song cemented the launch of Chance 2 Mental Wellness & Recovery Hub Jamaica Foundation.
CMWRHJ Mental health conditions are often treated with medication, therapy or a combination of the two. However, there are many different types of treatment available, including Complementary & Alternative Treatments, self-help plans, and peer support
